Hopefully some people who’ve gone to Bruin Day before can enlighten me on what exactly goes on.
- Do our parents follow us around everywhere, or are we allowed to branch off and explore on our own?
- Are we assigned tour groups that we stick with?
- What exactly goes on during Bruin Day? Do I need to sign up for any activities or can I just drop in on whatever's happening?
- What are some notable things that we do?
Anything else I should know?
My husband and I went with my daughter last year. We stuck together, but that was by choice. I encourage you to arrive early enough to attend the opening “ceremony” at Pauley Pavilion. Very festive with a speech form the Chancellor, marching band/cheerleaders, videos playing on the megatron - gives you a good impression of the bruin school spirit and pride.
Regarding your specific questions:
- You have the freedom to choose what you are interested in and attend those discussions. If you look on the bruin day website there is a comprehensive list of LOTS of activities that you can attend based on your interests. You will probably want to attend helpful discussions about you intended major.
- You join a group for the campus tour and can also join a tour for the dorm (you wait in line and then they form small groups). You are obviously encouraged but not "forced"to take any tours, but since you’re considering the school definitely do them!
- Drop in -but I advise you look up what activities and discussions you are interested in prior to arriving-so you don’t miss anything you really want to learn about.
- If you are ready to commit-they have a giant bell that you hit and current students cheer for you, balloons, fan-fare ect. and lead you to computers in the Wooden center to commit on the spot and get your "I committed to UCLA 'button. My daughter really wanted to do it because they made it really cool, but she still had a few more schools to look at. Lots of photo ops everywhere!
If you are interested in Greek life-attend the house tours and presentations.
Overall, it was a very positive and fun day that helped my D with her decision (she was debating between UCLA and Cal)
She ultimatley chose UCLA and loves it there!! Hope you do too 